Each day over the next month leading up to the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 22 in Dallas, we will be taking a look at the top 31 prospects available, starting with the 31st and leading up to number one.
Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 3rd-ranked prospect, right wing Filip Zadina.
Filip Zadina
2017–18 Team: Halifax (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: November 27, 1999
Place of Birth: Pardubice, Czech Republic
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 197 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: RW
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 3
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 2
NHL Comparable: David Pastrnak
When thinking of the best shooters available in this year’s draft class, Filip Zadina is certainly in the discussion. In his first year playing for Halifax in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Zadina has proven to be a lethal scorer thanks to his elite shooting ability. Though already on the map as a top prospect at the beginning of the season, Zadina solidified his elite prospect status with an outstanding showing at the World Junior Championship, tallying seven goals and one assist in seven games for the Czech Republic.
Zadina’s shooting ability is what sets him apart from many other prospects. His best shot is his wrist shot, featuring a lightning-quick release, amazing power and deadly accuracy. His snapshot, slap shot, one-timer and backhand are also high-end with similar attributes. Zadina does an excellent job of disguising his release, making it incredibly difficult for goaltenders to track his shot. As such, Zadina is very much the definition of a sniper. As a rookie in the QMJHL, Zadina pumped in a remarkable 44 goals this season. He has the ability to open up a game and score in bunches. He should have no issues translating his shooting to the NHL level, either.
While primarily a shooter, Zadina is a good passer as well thanks to some slick hands. He has good vision and awareness, which helps him be an all-around threat. However, at times, Zadina can make some ill-advised decisions with the puck, whether in the form of holding onto the puck for too long or for forcing a pass to a covered teammate, leading to a turnover. Zadina will need to improve his decision-making to reach his elite potential.
Zadina is also a good skater. He has good, though definitely not elite, speed and acceleration, and has excellent agility and edgework. Zadina uses his skating ability to find open ice, which he regularly translates into scoring opportunities. When Zadina can find open ice and his teammates can get the puck to him, odds are good he will be putting a high-quality shot on goal. Zadina’s skating also allows him to be dangerous on the rush, though his lack of elite speed limits his ability to be a game-breaking skater. If Zadina can improve his speed, he will be an ever more lethal threat and one that would be incredibly difficult to shut down.
Though Zadina is not exactly small, he could benefit from bulking up a bit more. Adding strength would likely help him along the boards and in front of the net. He has good leg strength, which allows him to be solid on his skates. More strength could also help him to become a more powerful player, which would help him be more effective with his desire to get to the middle of the ice.
Unlike many top-end forward prospects, Zadina is very reliable defensively. He regularly killed penalties for Halifax and even proved to be a scoring threat then. Zadina is good at shutting down passing lanes, both with his feet and stick. He could benefit from more time in juniors learning better defensive positioning, but, as a whole, Zadina is a better defender than most forwards his age.
Overall, Zadina has everything needed to be a star in the NHL for a long time. His scoring ability should make him a fan favorite for the team lucky enough to add him to their organization.
Implications for the Blackhawks
While some scouts feel Zadina could potentially fall out of the top five in the draft, there is basically no way he would fall all the way to the Hawks at the eighth pick. As such, Blackhawks fans should probably hope he goes to an Eastern Conference team so the Hawks only have to see him a couple of times each season.
Timeline
Zadina very well could step right into an NHL lineup. He undoubtedly has the skill needed to play in the NHL. His skating is good enough and he has a big enough frame. But, it is also entirely possible the team drafting him would rather want him to further develop his game in juniors. Zadina will likely receive a chance to prove he can stick in the NHL this fall, but, if he does not do that, he will be NHL-bound in 2019–20.
Projection
Zadina appears to be next in the long line of NHL stars to play for the Halifax Mooseheads. Zadina should develop into an elite top-line scoring winger. He has the shot needed to be a potent sniper at the NHL level.
What others are saying
“He’s been exactly as advertised and more for Halifax. The power winger has been destroying CHL competition and saved his best performances for this Czech national team this holiday season. He uses his size and strength to create space and then delivers electric moves and finishing ability. Can beat you from anywhere on the ice. A tireless worker.”
— Cam Robinson, Dobber Prospects
“Zadina is a pure and talented goal scorer. He has a very heavy wrist shot, with a good release. He can combine this with his skating and power game to be a real threat off of the wing. An absolute sniper, he can score with his wrist shot, snapshot, slap shot and one-timer. He even has a strong backhand. Zadina takes advantage of his shooting skill, as he generates a very high number of shot attempts every game. Zadina also has the soft hands to score in close to the net. He can bury rebounds, deke goalies, and get tip-ins. He has a knack for getting himself open, finding soft areas on the ice even when everyone is watching him.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey